Tree roots erupted from the earth to block off the dragon's claws.

  It did not take a genius to figure out where the roots originated from since there was only one tree on the campgrounds at the moment.

  When was the Mother Tree able to do that?

  As much as Rowan appreciated the Mother Tree’s effort to protect him, but he couldn't help but wonder. If she had the abilities to control her roots, did that mean she could have helped him out when he was exploring the forest? Was this part of the process of the fruit awakening? The trees in his vision did have some self defensive ability in his vision, but they mostly relied on external help such as guardian animals or elves. However this ability brought back a certain memory that took place a few days ago which made Rowan shudder.

  The blood sucking tree.

  While the blood sucking tree hadn't attacked with its roots, it had attacked with its branches. Both were trees and shared similar characteristics.

  Did that mean the Mother Tree could also attack with her branches?

  With the maturity of the fruit, the Mother Tree had revealed so many things today that Rowan didn't know what to expect next.

  The dragon, on the other hand, looked dismissively at the roots.

  “You have only just begun to regain your strength. Worry not, I mean no harm to the human child. I only attack to prove a point.”

  This time, it was the Mother Tree that began to glow with mana. The dragon quietly stared at the glowing tree.

  “I have no problem with your request. If anything it would help kill the dullness of time after i reseach on this black runt who dares to intrude on my territory.”

  With an agreement reached, the roots slowly withdrew back into the grounds. The Mother Tree must have communicated with the dragon, but what was said was beyond Rowan's ability to understand.

  The next second Rowan found himself lifted in the air and dragged towards the dragon claws. It grabbed him and Rowan could offer no resistance.

  Rowan fitted easily into one of the dragon's claws. If the dragon wanted to, it could have crushed the human boy easily.

  Fortunately it seemed the dragon had other plans.

  The dragon suddenly opened its wings and flew. Rowan found himself going higher into the sky. The last time he had the chance to see such a view was when he was fighting the red dragon. It was in the midst of battle and he did not have time to leisurely enjoy the view. Now he had a chance to personally appreciate it.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  As Rowan enjoyed the sea of green, he noticed tall towers in the distance. It was a castle.

  There was only only castle nearby and that was in the Capital of Maldolg.

  Rowan's heart leapt with joy as he finally got to see something related to humans after so long. The castle represented his goal.

  There was just one problem.

  The dragon began flying the complete opposite direction of the castle.

  Away from human civilization.

  Rowans felt like he had just been teased by the gods. His goal, while far, was insight, and now he was going further away from it. As much as he wanted to question the dragon where they were going, he was too afraid to. The dragon's anger was instilled into his mind and it was too much for him to bear. Not to mention he was still in the claws of the dragons. One wrong move and he would become a mere blood stain.

  The dragon flew further away from the Mother Tree and towards the mountains in the distance. There Rowan saw hundred, if not thousands of monsters flying around. They bore a striking resemblance to the dragon as they were both reptilian with wings, but there was one difference. Unlike the dragon, these monsters only had two legs.

  Wyverns.

  While his memory wasn't the clearest, a name came to Rowan's mind. Wyverns were not legendary monsters like dragons, they were still a considerable threat.

  Not to mention if they gathered in large numbers.

  Wyvern Pass.

  One of the most dangerous places near the Capitol. It bordered beyond the Forest of Death. If one wished to head north, then they needed to take a massive detour from the capital.

  The reason being that the direct path was just too dangerous.

  The direct path meant cutting through the Forest of Death, and then going through the mountain range where numerous wyverns dwelled. Wyvern may offer expensive materials, but no one was foolish enough to trade their lives in search of such goods. It would be considered a miracle for anyone to reach Wyvern Pass after traveling through the Forest.

  Humans may have considered wyverns to be dangerous monsters, but that was not the case for the dragon.

  In fact, the wyverns avoided the dragon as much as possible. Rowan watched in amazement as he saw a group of wyverns that had just been flying in the sky dive down when the dragon drew close. All the wyverns that were already on the grounds tried to make their presence scarce.

  Soon the dragon homed in on one of the mountains. It looked ordinary and covered with snow. The only thing missing on the mountain was the wyverns. The dragon suddenly dived down and Rowan felt the wind pressure hit him.

  Just when it looked as if the dragon was about to hit the mountain grounds, it vanished.

  The next thing Rowan knew was that he found himself in a massive cave.

  The dragon gently put Rowan down on the ground and said.

  “Be honored human, for few of your species have had the pleasure of feasting their eyes upon my lair. Few have dared to come and none had left here alive. “

  Ominous words.

  Did that mean the dragon was planning to eat him? In that case why did the dragon bother bringing him here when it could have eaten on the campgrounds? That would have saved both of them the trouble of witnessing and explaining about the cave.

  Before Rowan could ask his question, the dragon continued. “ Be honored for the fact that you have been taken under my wing. Under the tree's request, I, Vulcanus of the Blazing Inferno, shall be your instructor.”